Naturally, Sharks bench boss Todd McLellan wasn’t about the goal being given up, or how it was given up. And it was defenseman Brent Burns, who backed off and left Saad plenty of room for the shot, that drew the coach’s ire.

“We’ve been pretty good on the power play, not letting them score, but [Saad’s goal] was a killer. For the game-winning goal to be like that, it’s tough.

The Sharks continue to struggle in the month of February. One win in the last nine games has the Sharks reeling at sixth in the Western Conference and only two points ahead of the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings, who both sit outside of the top eight at ninth and 10th, respectively.

Friday’s loss represented the sixth consecutive game in which the Sharks were reduced to two-goals for or less.

“The effort was much better [than in previous losses to Chicago this season]. The battle was better. We still only scored one goal. We gave up the winner on the power play. So we should all be a little unhappy.”

They played a solid game. I had concerns that the Blackhawks weren’t going to be able to pull this one off, considering how strong the Sharks were playing. It was the kind of game that you want to see played when something important is on the line.